(08:30 April 22, 2003)
New BMW M Roadster spotted in Europe, may be ready by 2004 model year

Comments by BMW execs and media speculation led us to suspect the days of BMW offering an M Roadster were over, or on extended hiatus. Our spy shooter ended the speculation, snapping this M version Z4 in Europe with noticeable fascia modifications. It’s expected to house the same 3.2-liter straight six and six-speed tranny that powers the M3.

The U.S. edition could get 333 horsepower, up 18 hp from the previous-generation M Roadster, and be ready for the 2004 model year—just in time to bolster sagging M production numbers. Although BMW’s performance division has been sizzling in years past (27,000 units worldwide in ’02), the automaker said it expects a significant slowdown in M production for 2003, due to a gloomy economy, war concerns and model changeovers. This and the next M5 should bolster M output afterward.




http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=09651872

 

Rims look pretty conservative in size. Otherwise just another ugly Z4 in my book.

 

Why would they use the current 3.2l from the current gen M3? It would make more sense to use a "new" engine for the next M3, since the traditionally the M-roadster and M3 have used the same engine and the new M3 is predicted to have a larger and more powerful engine. The modifications (if you can call them that), seem too subtle and tame for an M car. Can't really tell, but I don't see a dual exhaust either...

 

über :ghey:
fugly

[See my other comments on BMW's declining design talents for more... ]

 

I love the look. Much better than all the competition IMHO. Also considering this car is 500lb lighter than the M3, if both cars have the same HP and TQ, this car would perform very nicely.

 

Bleh. It needs more than that to be a M.

 

0-60 in less than 5 sec. and 1/4 in less than 13 sec. is not fast enough for you? If I have to guess the #, i would say 0-60 in 4.5 sec. and 1/4 in 12.5 sec. if it has the same drivetrain and powertrain as the current M3.

 

Power is great, and I've heard from people who've test drove them that the handling is unbelievable. But, I'm one of those people who wont buy a car if I dont think it's good looking, and, well, the Z4, or M4 as that one may be is just plain ugly. It doesn't even get the bland or boring or unoriginal category from it, it just gets the "your car is ugly" remark.

 

I think most people who spend that much $$ on a car would most likely like the look as well. I mean, who's stupid enought to spend $50k on a car that you have to puke everyday walking to the car:naughty: :naughty: . But beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I love the look and you hate the look.h: h:

 

That could just as easily be a Z4 with a bodykit, could it not?

Those wheels are far to ugly and conservative.